Guthrie looking forward to passing football style

In the last few weeks the Saddlers have bolstered their defensive options with a number of new recruits. Among the new arrivals is defender Jon Guthrie, signed from Crewe Alexandra on a free transfer in June after rejecting a new deal from the Railwaymen.

Guthrie, joins the Saddlers having played a possession based game at Crewe, and the footballing philosophy at the Saddlers was a big factor behind him joining the club.

Speaking to the Official Walsall FC websiteGuthrie, said: "I knew from playing against them the style they play, they like to play football and are well respected. I thought it would be the best fit for me.

"I like to think of myself as quite a calm defender. I`m comfortable on the ball and like to play out from the back.'

Now, a lot of Saddlers fans reading this will probably be wondering where this 'passing football' was last season as Jon Whitney's team served up some pretty dire stuff at times, including the infamous 'beat the press' tactic. However, with what can now definitely be classed as his own team, we may start to see a return to the style of play that was so effective under Dean Smith.

Guthrie seems a similar sort of defender to Paul Downing, however this particular quote about actually enjoying defending might mean he's more adept at keeping the ball out the net.

"I genuinely just enjoy defending and I like the hard side of it as well, so hopefully they [the fans] will like me.'